What do you use to temporarily hold the guides on while doing a static deflection test? I have heard to use masking tape or surgical tubing. Where would I get some surgical tubing and what size would I use, if this is the preferred method? Any comments or information would be appreciated.

Ben Saunders

I am from Western Washington State. Here we get surgical tubing at any fishing tackle store. We generaly use it to hold pincile lead when drift fishing. It comes in many differnt diameters. I cut small bands from the tubing.
Bob

I use elastic thread. You can get it at Wal-Mart in the sewing section. Just use an overhand knot to fasten each foot, then clip the elastic when you get your wrap started.

I like Fishstix idea, but I don't know how he can drink beer, eat chips and salsa, and tie knots. I guess all that weaving really pays off in teh multi-tasking department, huh?

Where to get the tubing - I've been told to check a medical supply store - an easier alternative would be to order it from Clemens. Get all 3 sizes. Always add a couple of bands extra to the blank in case you need to add a guide.

The tubing works good - just don't put oo much pressure on the blank when doing teh static ditribution test - sometimes the guides will pop off and if you haven't prepped the guide feet they may even scratch the blank.

The tubing also has you see why you sould spiral/acid wrap your rods - I had fits when I was tring to static distribute a couple of rods and the guide kept twisting to the bottom each time I put a moderate bend in the rod. With the help of Don Morton, I decided to just put the guides where tehy wanted to go anyway, on the bottom.

Billy